Frame: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement

Special Tools
- J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Engine Support Fixture.
2. Support the radiator and condenser from above using the condenser tabs on each side.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
5. Remove the front fender liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement.
6. LE5 only, remove the front catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement Service and Repair.
7. Remove the engine splash shields. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side and Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side Service and Repair.






8. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Front Suspension.
9. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.






10. Remove both stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Service and Repair.
11. Separate the steering gear from the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.






12. Remove the front transmission mount bolt from the frame. Refer to Transmission Front Mount Replacement or Transmission Front Mount Replacement Service and Repair.
13. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket fasteners from the frame. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement or Transmission Rear Mount Replacement Service and Repair.






14. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580 stand.






15. Remove the reinforcement bolts (1).






16. Remove the front frame bolts (1).
17. Remove the rear frame bolts (4).
18. Remove the frame reinforcements (3).
19. Raise the vehicle off of the frame.
20. Remove the following components if replacing the frame:
- The steering gear-Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Steering Gear Replacement
- The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Front Suspension
- The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement Front Suspension
- The radiator support brackets
- The vibration dampener, if equipped

Installation Procedure

1. Install the following components on the suspension crossmember if removed:
- The vibration dampener, if equipped
- The radiator support brackets
- The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement Front Suspension
- The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Front Suspension
- The steering gear-Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Steering Gear Replacement






2. Lower the vehicle on to the frame.
3. Install the frame reinforcements (3).
4. Install the front frame bolts. Hand tighten ONLY.
5. Install the reinforcement bolts. Hand tighten ONLY.

Caution: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners, or fastener joint surfaces, unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems. When using fasteners that are threaded directly into plastic, use extreme care not to strip the mating plastic part(s). Use hand tools only, and do not use any kind of impact or power tools. Fastener should be hand tightened, fully seated, and not stripped.

6. Install the rear frame bolts (4) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees rotation.
7. Tighten the front frame bolts (1) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees rotation.






8. Install the reinforcement bolts (1) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
9. Raise the vehicle.
10. Install the rear transmission mount bracket fasteners. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement or Transmission Rear Mount Replacement Service and Repair.






11. Install the front transmission mount bracket bolt. Refer to Transmission Front Mount Replacement or Transmission Front Mount Replacement Service and Repair.
12. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Steering Gear Replacement.
13. Connect the steering gear to the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.






14. Install both stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar. Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 65 Nm (48 lb ft).
15. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.






16. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles.
16.1 Tighten the ball stud to steering knuckle pinch nut to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
16.2 Reverse the nut 3/4 of a turn.
16.3 Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft) plus 60 degrees.
17. Install the front fender liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement.
18. Install the engine splash shields. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side and Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side Service and Repair.
19. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
20. LE5 only, install the front catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement Service and Repair.
21. Remove the engine support fixture.